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All Up In My Business
"An exceptional read." --Urban Reviews"Drama, laughter, and a little bit of naughtiness. . .You'll be wanting more." --Urban Reviews
Malcolm and Toussaint Livingston, the siblings behind the dynamo restaurant chain Taste of Soul, work hard and play even harder--especially carefree bachelor Toussaint, who loves as much variety in his sexual conquests as he does spices in his sparerib rub. But when he meets interior designer Alexis St. Clair, his Casanova days could be over. Because Alexis refuses to become just another dish on Toussaint's mating menu. . .As for Malcolm, he may be married with children, but that doesn't stop him from flirting--nor does it slow down the women who want more from him than the secret recipe to the family's BBQ sauce. These two brothers love a challenge, but what happens when bedroom games get all up in their business?
"A great story. This should make for a fascinating new series." --APOOO BookClub
Malcolm and Toussaint Livingston, the siblings behind the dynamo restaurant chain Taste of Soul, work hard and play even harder--especially carefree bachelor Toussaint, who loves as much variety in his sexual conquests as he does spices in his sparerib rub. But when he meets interior designer Alexis St. Clair, his Casanova days could be over. Because Alexis refuses to become just another dish on Toussaint's mating menu. . .As for Malcolm, he may be married with children, but that doesn't stop him from flirting--nor does it slow down the women who want more from him than the secret recipe to the family's BBQ sauce. These two brothers love a challenge, but what happens when bedroom games get all up in their business?
"A great story. This should make for a fascinating new series." --APOOO BookClub
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
26 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 1, 2011
Reshuffled
Introducing the Livingstons, an affluent African-American family in Atlanta, Georgia. They own Taste of Soul, a fast casual soul food restaurant. The Livingstons are trying to ensure that they remain profitable in these tough economic times. Siblings Malcolm and Toussaint have been competitive since their youth. With the chance to take the company to the next level, each brother has a different plan. Whose will be the winning idea?
Malcolm, a married father of four, is having issues at home as his wife, Victoria, spends all of her time in church or with the children. When he finds that they are about to welcome their fifth child, he’s less than pleased and finds himself spending valuable time with another woman. Will he remember that he’s already taken a vow?
To many of the women in Atlanta, Toussaint, the youngest brother, is the hottest dish on the menu. Vowing to never get seriously involved, Toussaint splits his time evenly with numerous women, including Shyla, an employee with perks. His tune quickly changes when he meets Alexis, an interior designer, who restructures his thoughts. Can he be a one woman man?
ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS by Lutishia Lovely has a riveting flair. I love the close-knit family, their unmistakable love, care and involvement in one another’s lives. It was refreshing to see a happy, thriving African American family. Sadly, the story lost a lot of luster as parts of the story are very irrelevant to the main storyline and offer very little to the flow. More disappointing was the way in which the story ends. It was messy instead of scandalous. Some editing issues with wrong tense and spelling.
Reviewed by: Crystal
Introducing the Livingstons, an affluent African-American family in Atlanta, Georgia. They own Taste of Soul, a fast casual soul food restaurant. The Livingstons are trying to ensure that they remain profitable in these tough economic times. Siblings Malcolm and Toussaint have been competitive since their youth. With the chance to take the company to the next level, each brother has a different plan. Whose will be the winning idea?
Malcolm, a married father of four, is having issues at home as his wife, Victoria, spends all of her time in church or with the children. When he finds that they are about to welcome their fifth child, he’s less than pleased and finds himself spending valuable time with another woman. Will he remember that he’s already taken a vow?
To many of the women in Atlanta, Toussaint, the youngest brother, is the hottest dish on the menu. Vowing to never get seriously involved, Toussaint splits his time evenly with numerous women, including Shyla, an employee with perks. His tune quickly changes when he meets Alexis, an interior designer, who restructures his thoughts. Can he be a one woman man?
ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS by Lutishia Lovely has a riveting flair. I love the close-knit family, their unmistakable love, care and involvement in one another’s lives. It was refreshing to see a happy, thriving African American family. Sadly, the story lost a lot of luster as parts of the story are very irrelevant to the main storyline and offer very little to the flow. More disappointing was the way in which the story ends. It was messy instead of scandalous. Some editing issues with wrong tense and spelling.
Reviewed by: Crystal
February 20, 2021
The cast of characters keep this story interesting. Lovely leaves the reader in suspense and quickly searching for the 2nd book in this series.
April 30, 2011
Family First
The family that cooks together stays together. The Livingstons are one such family. They own a chain of soul food restaurants, Taste of Soul. Though they are a tightly knit, loving family, they are no strangers to drama.
Lutishia Lovely brings the drama with ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS. But for this reader, the book takes a wrong turn with too much drama stretched all around. And every time drama reared its ugly head, many times without explanation, it was neatly packaged and put away, thus weakening the validity of the drama. There is a lot going on in these pages. Though the synopsis leads one to believe that the book is about brothers Malcolm and Toussaint Livingston, the drama of all family members and a few employees are detailed. I found much of it immaterial.
I would have preferred if the book had focused more on a particular (limited) number of family members and taken the time to develop those characters, their issues sufficiently and brought about a satisfactory and/or complete resolution instead of a bunch of characters and a bunch of problems. Because of that, ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS feels like it didn't quite know what it wanted to be. It is amusing at times and readable, but not truly memorable. Those hoping for a clear resolution at story's end will be disappointed. The first of a series, I think I'll pass.
OOSA Selected Read (Apr)
The family that cooks together stays together. The Livingstons are one such family. They own a chain of soul food restaurants, Taste of Soul. Though they are a tightly knit, loving family, they are no strangers to drama.
Lutishia Lovely brings the drama with ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS. But for this reader, the book takes a wrong turn with too much drama stretched all around. And every time drama reared its ugly head, many times without explanation, it was neatly packaged and put away, thus weakening the validity of the drama. There is a lot going on in these pages. Though the synopsis leads one to believe that the book is about brothers Malcolm and Toussaint Livingston, the drama of all family members and a few employees are detailed. I found much of it immaterial.
I would have preferred if the book had focused more on a particular (limited) number of family members and taken the time to develop those characters, their issues sufficiently and brought about a satisfactory and/or complete resolution instead of a bunch of characters and a bunch of problems. Because of that, ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS feels like it didn't quite know what it wanted to be. It is amusing at times and readable, but not truly memorable. Those hoping for a clear resolution at story's end will be disappointed. The first of a series, I think I'll pass.
OOSA Selected Read (Apr)
August 18, 2016
Meet the Livingston family! Twin brothers Ace and Adam, along with their wives Diane and Candace are running Taste of Soul, along with Malcolm and Toussaint. One brother is married, the other single and they both wish they had the other's life. All Up In My Business is a whole lot of drama and even more love. I highly recommend it to all Lutishia Lovely readers and anyone looking for a good book. On to the sequel, "Mind Your Own Business".
August 24, 2016
Interesting Story
All Up in my business is my first reading from Mrs. lovely. This book is a good read. This author did a good job. It's well written and well concept.
I enjoyed reading each of characters from this book. The characters are crazy, and amaze. I'm looking forward to read part 2 of this book.
All Up in my business is my first reading from Mrs. lovely. This book is a good read. This author did a good job. It's well written and well concept.
I enjoyed reading each of characters from this book. The characters are crazy, and amaze. I'm looking forward to read part 2 of this book.
November 7, 2018
These brothers are something else. Lol! I really enjoyed this book.
August 24, 2017
Great read!
May 27, 2017
The Livingstons are a no-nonsense family that has traditions that have lasted over 50 years. As we all know that trials and tribulations are always in the midst of life itself.
Adam & Ace are twin brothers who are carrying on their parents' legacy of Taste of Soul restaurants and they're assisted by Adam's two sons, Malcom & Tousaint. Tousaint's a player while Malcolm is married with 4 kids; to include a set of twins, his wife is pregnant with their fifth child and Malcom isn't happy about it. Adam's wife has an affair with her personal trainer and he leaves her with a "little something" to take home to her husband. Tousaint has been sleeping with the Marketing manager, Shyla and she wants more than being friends with benefits. She's going to go too far and end up losing more than she bargained for. Just wait until you meet Chardonnay, a waitress at one of the family owned restaurants. She may remind you of someone you know that's truly unbelievable.
The story takes place in Atlanta and it provides enough drama throughout the chapters to be a hot mess but through it all, it will run almost like a reality show but with a little less ghetto-fabulous style.
Adam & Ace are twin brothers who are carrying on their parents' legacy of Taste of Soul restaurants and they're assisted by Adam's two sons, Malcom & Tousaint. Tousaint's a player while Malcolm is married with 4 kids; to include a set of twins, his wife is pregnant with their fifth child and Malcom isn't happy about it. Adam's wife has an affair with her personal trainer and he leaves her with a "little something" to take home to her husband. Tousaint has been sleeping with the Marketing manager, Shyla and she wants more than being friends with benefits. She's going to go too far and end up losing more than she bargained for. Just wait until you meet Chardonnay, a waitress at one of the family owned restaurants. She may remind you of someone you know that's truly unbelievable.
The story takes place in Atlanta and it provides enough drama throughout the chapters to be a hot mess but through it all, it will run almost like a reality show but with a little less ghetto-fabulous style.
February 3, 2022
Very average and read like a soap opera with the cast of many characters. I plan to read the rest of the series though just to see what happens to the characters.
December 13, 2024
4.6🌟
Entertaining, scandalous and drama filled i will continue to read the other 2 books
2 people who worked my nerves the most were the mom and Alexis
Entertaining, scandalous and drama filled i will continue to read the other 2 books
2 people who worked my nerves the most were the mom and Alexis
September 3, 2021
I loved this book. Full of love, drama and thrills
January 22, 2015
I picked up this book mainly because of what the title says. This book is the first in a trilogy. The second book is called Mind Your Business and the third book is called Taking Care Of Business. This is a good book about what happens when lust gets the better of you, you're not happy with the mate you are currently with, parents who want you to live the life THEY want you to live and scandalous people who will do ANYTHING to get their hands in the pot. This is also a good book about dealing with our melting pot society. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes this type of hype.
March 3, 2024
I really really enjoyed this book. I read it much quicker than I expected. At first I thought that I would have trouble keeping up with all of the characters, but I really didn't. The different story lines flowed perfectly and the suspense kept me hooked.
April 24, 2020
Secrets and Deceptions!
The Livingston family led by twin brothers, Adam and Ace Livingston are a powerful, wealthy, and united family that are the creme de la creme of Atlanta. The brothers are the descendants of Marcus & Marietta Livingston under whom these traditions began. Each have two children a piece, and in this novel, Adam’s sons, Malcolm and Toussaint take center stage. The family as a whole lives under a credo of family first, faithfulness, and financial stability. However, when one Livingston goes astray, it sets off a chain reaction of bad decisions that sends many of their enemies on a ravenous attack for Livingston blood. Sequentially, Malcolm’s martial woes and Toussaint’s playboy antics all add to the weave of diabolical plans against all things Livingston. There is so much secrecy and deception in this novel that it will keep you guessing until the end and then it will blow your mind! The story and all of the twists were thoroughly enjoyable. However, I had to give it 4 stars because there weren’t breaks in the story to indicate a new thought or section with characters which was sometimes a bit confusing. Also, it took a tad long for things to begin to unravel. But now that they have I’m sure book 2 will be an unstoppable rollercoaster. Can’t wait to enjoy the ride!
The Livingston family led by twin brothers, Adam and Ace Livingston are a powerful, wealthy, and united family that are the creme de la creme of Atlanta. The brothers are the descendants of Marcus & Marietta Livingston under whom these traditions began. Each have two children a piece, and in this novel, Adam’s sons, Malcolm and Toussaint take center stage. The family as a whole lives under a credo of family first, faithfulness, and financial stability. However, when one Livingston goes astray, it sets off a chain reaction of bad decisions that sends many of their enemies on a ravenous attack for Livingston blood. Sequentially, Malcolm’s martial woes and Toussaint’s playboy antics all add to the weave of diabolical plans against all things Livingston. There is so much secrecy and deception in this novel that it will keep you guessing until the end and then it will blow your mind! The story and all of the twists were thoroughly enjoyable. However, I had to give it 4 stars because there weren’t breaks in the story to indicate a new thought or section with characters which was sometimes a bit confusing. Also, it took a tad long for things to begin to unravel. But now that they have I’m sure book 2 will be an unstoppable rollercoaster. Can’t wait to enjoy the ride!
February 11, 2022
All up in my business by Lutishia Lovely. My first time reading this author.
A steamy novel of sex and partners involved. So much detail so much explicit sex...Not for the faint hearted or prudish. Familiy life and its challenges are strong and thematic. All the couples are credible, even if a reader has not personally known a particular one of the characters.
We read books we watch movies we read newspapers and magazines. So yeah the characters are real and credible.
A few surprises add to the interest of her story. For example Bobby and Jon's sexual encounter. And Candace's infidelity. Didn't see those happenings coming.
I keep reading short chapter after short chapter and asking myself Wasn't there a crime, a body in a bag kind of scene to start? Wasn't this then supposed to be a crime story?
Well that was the author's surprising way of telling this story, of family, business and relationships; letting the plot take a circular shape all the way back to the begining of the nove.
Although there are lots of characters and many couples, the star couple - Adam and Candace, shines through the brightest.
A steamy novel of sex and partners involved. So much detail so much explicit sex...Not for the faint hearted or prudish. Familiy life and its challenges are strong and thematic. All the couples are credible, even if a reader has not personally known a particular one of the characters.
We read books we watch movies we read newspapers and magazines. So yeah the characters are real and credible.
A few surprises add to the interest of her story. For example Bobby and Jon's sexual encounter. And Candace's infidelity. Didn't see those happenings coming.
I keep reading short chapter after short chapter and asking myself Wasn't there a crime, a body in a bag kind of scene to start? Wasn't this then supposed to be a crime story?
Well that was the author's surprising way of telling this story, of family, business and relationships; letting the plot take a circular shape all the way back to the begining of the nove.
Although there are lots of characters and many couples, the star couple - Adam and Candace, shines through the brightest.
October 6, 2023
I’m giving this book a 3.8. The story is good but the gaps that are omitted, if we’re included, would have been nice. It goes from, “ I’m going to propose on Christmas” to “Married and 4 months pregnant.” All of the scenes are like that. I want to know why, how did they get there, what happened in between. Other than that, what’s narrated was good.
April 24, 2024
All up in my Business
This was a good read lots of drama, full of suspense . This Livingston family own a chain of restaurants chain Taste of Soul. The family is tightly knit and they keep everything in the family. Good read Ms Lovely.
This was a good read lots of drama, full of suspense . This Livingston family own a chain of restaurants chain Taste of Soul. The family is tightly knit and they keep everything in the family. Good read Ms Lovely.
October 4, 2018
All I can say is WOW!!!!
December 17, 2018
Love this book
February 8, 2020
Lutishia Lovely is the shit period!
May 27, 2020
Great read that offers a little bit of everything....family, drama, romance, suspense and plot twists. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 21, 2021
OMG! This book was awesome
May 19, 2024
Loved it
March 20, 2011
Very intriguing and interesting story....you have family, romance, thrill, drama and suspense. This book is centered around the Livingston family. There are twin brothers and one of their sons that run the family business that was established by their father. On top of this well established family business this family has a long, rich history that is a noted legacy for the men....fidelity and long marriages.
As you read, you are hurled into the lives of these people as individuals, couples, families and the Family while you are hanging on to every word. The brothers are Ace and Adam and the sons that work with the family business are Malcolm and Toussaint, the offspring of Adam. Ace is married to Diane and they have two offspring that are not involved is the family business. Adam is married to Candace and he co-chairs the business along side his brother with his sons as integral players in the business successes. and nephews. As the story unfolds we are wrapped up in the lives of the single brother, Toussaint, that has women falling all over him as an eligible bachelor and his brother the family man that finds himself unfulfilled and ready to stake his own spot in the business world where he is the success. As we progress through the book we witness their trials, tribulation, choices and the results of those choices with family always looming in the forefront.
Ms. Lovely did a great job expelling a story line that is engaging, exciting and an easy read. She tells us of the individual lives and the Family with fluidity and thoroughness. I am eagerly awaiting the next installation, Mind Your Own Business which comes out September 2011.
As you read, you are hurled into the lives of these people as individuals, couples, families and the Family while you are hanging on to every word. The brothers are Ace and Adam and the sons that work with the family business are Malcolm and Toussaint, the offspring of Adam. Ace is married to Diane and they have two offspring that are not involved is the family business. Adam is married to Candace and he co-chairs the business along side his brother with his sons as integral players in the business successes. and nephews. As the story unfolds we are wrapped up in the lives of the single brother, Toussaint, that has women falling all over him as an eligible bachelor and his brother the family man that finds himself unfulfilled and ready to stake his own spot in the business world where he is the success. As we progress through the book we witness their trials, tribulation, choices and the results of those choices with family always looming in the forefront.
Ms. Lovely did a great job expelling a story line that is engaging, exciting and an easy read. She tells us of the individual lives and the Family with fluidity and thoroughness. I am eagerly awaiting the next installation, Mind Your Own Business which comes out September 2011.
May 24, 2011
This story engages the reader from the very beginning with a tale woven from a family business that spans a couple of generations. The Livingston family has built an empire from their love of and ability to cook soul food. The entire Livingston clan is involved in the business with the brothers Malcolm and Toussaint in charge. There is more than one story being told but all are connected. While all appears to be the picture of perfection, beneath the smiles and wealth of the Livingston’s, there are secrets, lies and jealousy that threaten to tear the family apart. The reader will appreciate the pace of the story as it’s steady and flows easily. From a single mom to the top CEO of The Taste of Soul Restaurant, the characters all make for an excellent read. I believe that anyone reading this book will agree that it deserves 5 stars.
Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer
Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer
December 19, 2010
All Up In My Business is a new series by the fantastic author Lutishia Lovely.
This new series is all about family and how they are minding your business was well at their own. Taste of Soul is a family-owned restaurant empire that is doing very well but is having minor problems but it is nothing that the Livingston clan can't handle!
This is a fast-paced, all up in your face, won't let you put the book down type of read. Once you pick it up and start reading, the characters are so high-energy and interesting you will not want to put it down until you are finished!
This book will not be released until February, 2011 but you can pre-order on Amazon.com right now and that is exactally what I suggest that you do!
This new series is all about family and how they are minding your business was well at their own. Taste of Soul is a family-owned restaurant empire that is doing very well but is having minor problems but it is nothing that the Livingston clan can't handle!
This is a fast-paced, all up in your face, won't let you put the book down type of read. Once you pick it up and start reading, the characters are so high-energy and interesting you will not want to put it down until you are finished!
This book will not be released until February, 2011 but you can pre-order on Amazon.com right now and that is exactally what I suggest that you do!
June 13, 2011
This is very well written book. One deterrent I have from reading black authors , is that a lot of the urban novels are ( in my opinion ) poorly written. This book is an exception to that stereotype. The characters are developed well, adn the storyline is very easy to follow. This is not "hood" novel, it is about a business family and the trials they face with that. I look forward to the second novel in the series.
December 9, 2011
This book reads fast and interestingly! I never was bored or disappointed. I think this should of been label the Levisngston family business based on how it reads. The only down fall is that there are too many characters to keep up with. This book should be at the very least been 4 separate stories. I still gave it a 5 star because I truly loved this family, their relationships and their drama! I think I'll miSs them out of my life :o loved this story
March 13, 2011
I loved this book, it is a great start to a wonderful new series. Ms Lovely is a great storyteller. I can hardly wait for the next installment of the series to come out. The characters where great and the story itself was something straight from real life. I think she did a wonderful job and this series is a great addition to the Halleluijah Love series. Great Great Great!!!!
January 17, 2012
Ms. Lovely, I like that the book flows and is a quick read. However, you know you wrong for having the mama creeping like that. The character Bobby, I was coming to like until he started... well you all who haven't read it will have to because its a "Say What" moment. The sequel so far is good too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews